Mayor's Office Intern

Position Title: Mayor's Office Intern - Cemetery Records & Conservation Planning
Location: City of Athens, Ohio
Department: Mayor's Office
Duration: Semester-based or Summer (flexible based on academic schedule)
Hours: Part-time (10-20 hours per week)
Compensation: Paid internship (hourly rate commensurate with experience)

Position Overview:
The City of Athens Mayor's Office is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support cemetery record management, historical research, and planning efforts related to the development of a conservation cemetery. This position offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on work at the intersection of local government, history, environmental stewardship, and community planning.

This internship is ideal for students seeking practical experience that complements coursework and may be eligible for academic credit depending on department requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with organizing, digitizing, and maintaining cemetery records, including burial records, maps, and historical documentation
• Conduct research on best practices for conservation cemetery design, green burial practices, and long-term land stewardship
• Support GIS-related tasks such as mapping cemetery plots, organizing spatial data, and assisting with land analysis (training can be provided)
• Compile and present research findings in written reports, memos, or presentations for city staff
• Assist with responding to public inquiries related to cemetery records and services
• Provide general administrative support to the Mayor's Office, including data entry, filing, scheduling, and special projects

Qualifications:

• Current undergraduate or graduate student (or recent graduate)
• Preferred fields of study: history, environmental studies, geography, GIS, urban planning, public administration, or related disciplines
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to conduct independent research and communicate findings clearly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in public service and local government

Preferred Interests:
This position is especially well-suited for individuals interested in:

• History, archives, and preservation
• Environmental conservation and sustainable land use
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping
• Community planning and careers in the public sector

Learning Outcomes:
Interns will gain hands-on experience in municipal government operations, records management, applied research, and conservation planning. The role provides meaningful exposure to interdisciplinary work that connects history, environmental sustainability, and data management.

Please indicate if you are seeking academic credit in addition to paid experience.